Tributes to Shrewsbury antiques dealer Gordon Manser

A Shropshire antique dealer who helped establish his family's business on the international stage has died.

Gordon Manser, who ran Manser's Antiques in Shrewsbury for decades, died at a nursing home in Shrewsbury on Tuesday following a battle with long-term illness. He was 81.

Mr Manser took on his father Frederick's business in the late 1940s transforming its focus from upholstery and soft furnishings into the antiques firm it has now become.

Son Mark, who now runs the firm which is based at Coleham Head, said: "He was one of the best antique dealers in the country.

"He specialised in oriental porcelain but covered the English market, furniture, glass, porcelain, and metal work. He was also the only person who had £1 million in credit availability at Sotheby's.

"The business was huge, growing from a tiny shop. People used to travel from America just to come to see us.

"He sold to Macy's in New York and his knowledge was second to none, and was built up by buying and selling and through his research."

His family launched a business in Shrewsbury town centre in 1944.

Mr Manser is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Jane, sons Paul and Mark, and stepsons Mark and Fergus.

A private burial service will be held on April 8 and will be followed by a public memorial service on the same day at 3.30pm at St Chad's Church in Shrewsbury.